Most survival videos online are gear fantasies — this one isn’t. This list of 10 must-have survival items is based on real-world experience in Search & Rescue. Over the years, I’ve seen the same mistakes over and over again. In many cases, if the person we were sent to rescue had carried just a few of these items, it never would have been an emergency in the first place. This isn’t about bushcraft, Instagram kits, or living off the land. It’s about preventing exposure, bad decisions, and small problems from snowballing. I intentionally did not include things like phones, wallets, keys, or pocket knives — those should already be on you. This list focuses on the gear that actually keeps people alive when things go wrong. If you spend time outdoors — hiking, hunting, overlanding, or just exploring — this is worth watching. Stay safe. Be prepared. ? GUARDIANS Get … ⁍ INTEL ACCESS: 15 Private GUARDIAN Channels for real-time alerts & analysis ⁍ DIRECT ACCESS: Talk with the SDN Team inside the Guardian network ⁍ SDENS ALERTS: Instant Emergency Notifications direct to your device ⁍ BTS CONTENT: Insider briefings, behind-the-scenes ops & strategy ⁍ 37 SURVIVAL eMAGS: A $370 library of elite preparedness guides ⁍ FULL SITREPS: Every source, every detail, no redactions ⁍ EARLY ACCESS: Watch content before public release 40% OFF UNTIL SATURDAY ? Only $4.79/mo or $47.99/yr (2 months free when paid annually) ? https://www.SurvivalDispatch.News Get premium freeze dried meat that’s so good you’ll eat your stockpile! Use code EATMEAT to get 10% off ? https://www.carnivault.com/ The best JERKY bar none! Use code SD20 to get 20% off ? https://wasatchwagyu.com/ Get the best self-defense coverage on the market ? https://ccwsafe.com/?ref=survivaldispatch DISCLAIMER: The materials published on Survival Dispatch’s Substack, X, YouTube channels, Rumble Channels, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn [and other social media accounts] & websites [including any show, episode, guest appearance, etc. appearing within] are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The opinions expressed through this video or podcast are the opinions of the individual author[s] and are for educational & documentary purposes only. Please note, we have affiliate partnerships with some brands mentioned in our content & we may get a small portion of the revenue when you purchase an item using the links provided. It’s the easiest way to support SDN with no cost on your part. FAIR USE: In the rare instance that we include someone else’s footage it is covered under Fair Use for Documentary & Educational purposes with the intention of driving commentary & allowing freedom of speech. This video contains music from Shutterstock, licensed for use by the Splice editing app. © 2025 Survival Dispatch